Participation in the 2026 Observance of the Turkmenistan cotton harvest - Information and Q&A

Questions & Answers

• Who can participate in the observance?

  All ILO staff members are eligible to apply, regardless of grade (D, G, NO or P), position, or duty station, provided your supervisor has approved your participation.

• How are observers selected?

  Observers who have obtained the necessary approval from their supervisor(s) will be considered for selection by the FUNDAMENTALS Branch and the ILO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, on the basis of the following criteria:

  1. Experience in similar monitoring/observance missions, including relevant training.
  2. Familiarity with ILO Conventions, especially on forced and child labour.
  3. Knowledge of fundamental rights, in particular forced labour and child labour: ILO staff with work experience on fundamental principles and rights at work will have an advantage.
  4. Capability to uphold professional independence and impartiality while carrying out monitoring duties within the host country's context.
  5. Strong analytical and writing skills for reporting and documenting findings during the monitoring process.
  6. Interpersonal abilities such as political acumen, sound judgment, teamwork, resilience in challenging situations, cultural sensitivity, effective communication skills, and adaptability to diverse environments.
  7. Fluency in English. Knowledge of Russian and/or Turkic languages (including Turkmen, Uzbek, Tajik, Turkish, etc.) would be an advantage.
  8. Capacity and commitment to co-fund part of the mission’s costs.

  However, the number of available positions for the observance is limited, and so are financial resources. Efforts will be made to ensure a balanced and representative group of observers, taking into account factors such as gender, duty station, grade level, and expertise, while remaining within the constraints of available resources.

• Can I apply if I already participated in an observance mission before?

  Yes, you can. However, it will not grant you any preferential treatment, but it also does not disadvantage you in the selection process. All applications are reviewed on an equal basis according to the established criteria.

• What if my contract expires before 30 November 2026?

  Only ILO staff with a valid ILO contract can participate in the observance, planned from mid-August to end-November 2026.

  If your current contract ends during this period, we could still consider your participation in earlier rounds.

  If your contract ends before the observance starts, but it is likely to be extended, you can still apply. Please indicate this in the form. If you are shortlisted, we will ask you to confirm that the extension has been processed. Because of travel regulations and logistical reasons, the extension must be finalized at least one month before the start of the mission.

• When will the mission take place?

  The monitoring missions will be conducted in approximately four rounds of 2-week mission, scheduled between mid-August and mid-November 2026. These rounds will not necessarily be consecutive. Exact dates will depend on the progress of crop growth and the start of the harvest, which are influenced by weather conditions.

• How long will the misison last?

  One mission usually lasts for 14 to 16 days. It consists in 10 days of observance in the field, one day of rest and 3 to 6 days of travel from and back to duty station.

  The observance will cover two weekends, which means the overall mission will span three calendar weeks.

• Can the mission be shorter or longer than 2 weeks?

  No. For methodological, logistical, and financial reasons, all observers are required to participate for the full duration of one round.

  While observers are not expected to join more than one round, they are welcome to express interest in participating again.

• Is it mandatory to fund totally or partially my mission?

  No. The ability to co-fund your mission, is only one of several selection criteria. Such funding must be sourced from your project, DWT, or office budget—under no circumstances should personal funds be used. If you are unable to contribute financially, you are still encouraged to apply. All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee on a case-by-case basis.

• Who is in charge of the travel arrangements?

  Travel arrangements are a shared responsibility.

  The organizing team will provide guidance on arrival and departure dates, times, and budget parameters, that must be respected.

  Observers, in coordination with their travel clerks, will be responsible for processing their Travel Authorization (TT) in accordance with this guidance.

• What does the mission involve?

  The mission will require travel to rural and remote areas where the cotton harvest is underway. Observers will visit cotton fields as well as public institutions linked to the harvest. They will conduct interviews and documente findings to assess working conditions.

  Participants should be prepared for long hours of travel by car, including on rough or unpaved roads. Interviews and field visits may take place in isolated locations and under varying weather conditions, such as intense sun, rain, or cold temperatures.

  Comprehensive training and orientation sessions will be provided to all selected staff to ensure they are fully prepared for the mission.

• Will there be a training for selected observers?

  Yes. All selected observers will be required to attend a mandatory training session organized by the research team. The training will be delivered in a blended format—online and in person—over two half-days. It will include an opportunity to ask questions. Dates will be communicated in due course.

• Will observers work in teams or individually during field visits?

  Observers will work in teams consisting of two ILO staff members, two interpreters, and one driver with a vehicle. Team composition will be determined by the organizing team. It is not possible to request a specific teammate nor a specific location.

• How are transport, food and accommodation organized?

  The organizing team will arrange all internal transportation and accommodation. Observers should not book their own lodging or local transport. Good-quality food is widely available in Turkmenistan, including in remote areas. The team is organizing to provide lunches on working days, in alignment with dietary restrictions.

• Is Turkmenistan a safe country?

  Yes. Turkmenistan is considered safe for travel, provided that standard safety precautions are followed. All missions will comply with UNDSS safety protocols. A support system will be in place to respond promptly to any incidents or concerns.

  
  

• What about women’s participation and gender dynamics in the field?

  Turkmenistan is a culturally conservative country with gender-specific customs and social norms. For instance, it is customary for men not to shake hands with women - which is considered a sign of respect.

  Women play a significant role in the world of work and are frequently found in leadership and decision-making positions across various sectors. In particular, most cotton pickers are women.

  It is acceptable for ILO staff to conduct interviews with workers of the opposite gender.